Derrick "Dee" Gerard Coppins was born in New York City, New York, to Barbara Coppins and Charles Grace.  Derrick graced this world with his presence on June 25, 1969.

Derrick was a pudgy, lovable baby who loved to "do pig".  Doing pig was the family's way of asking Derrick for a kiss.  He would poke out his lips and give you a kiss every-single-time.  As a baby, he never missed an opportunity to kiss those he loved.

As a child, one of Derrick's fondest memories was when his Aunt Cathy took him and his cousin, Shaun, to Disney World. It was his dream vacation and it went down in the history books as one of his favorite events.

Derrick was educated in the New York City public school system.  When it was time for Derrick to choose a high school, he chose DeWitt Clinton High School, located in the Bronx, NY.  Clinton was an all-boys' school with a reputation for having a "foyin" student body.  Clinton was a mecca teaming with alpha males, testosterone and beautiful people.  Yes, Derrick had finally arrived—Clinton was his kingdom.  More importantly, though, because of Derrick's exceptional intellect, he aced all of his studies.  Derrick received his diploma in 1987.

After attending Clinton, Derrick landed a job working for an art curator in midtown Manhattan.  Derrick took such pride in studying, packaging, shipping or delivering valuable collectibles, pieces of artwork and historic items. Under the tutelage of the owners, Derrick was slowly becoming quite the art buff.  Due to the nature of this business and its clientele, Derrick found himself rubbing elbows with some of New York's elite.  Derrick was so versatile that he always blended in; in fact—in the best way possible—he also stood out.

On any given day Derrick could be found hanging with his first cousin, Shaun.  Shaun and Derrick were part of the rap scene that took the Bronx by storm. One of Derrick's proudest moments was when he and Shaun were in contract with Next Plateau Records.  In 1988, Shaun ("DJ Freeze") and Derrick ("The Lover Kool Dee") cut their first single entitled, The Crew (Is In The House).  Shortly after its release, the record made its debut on WBLS 107.5FM.  That night Derrick ran through the entire house banging on doors while shouting, "they're playing my record on the radio!"  The family screamed with joy for his and Shaun's success.  This was definitely a high point in Derrick's life.

Derrick found himself back in the studio working on another single entitled, Dee Up.  He collaborated with his big sister, Rosie, who sang the background vocals on the song.  They never finished it but it would have been a hit because the hook was unforgettable.

Some years later, Derrick was selected to test for a position with the Ford Motor Company.  He scored so high on the test, the proctor thought he cheated.  He was asked to retest for the position (under watchful eyes, no doubt) and his score was even higher.  Needless to say, Derrick was hired and spent over a decade working for Ford.  He was initially employed at their New Jersey plant but eventually transferred to the plant in Missouri.

Derrick's prized possessions were his children—Gerard and Janise (mother-Donnetta Knighten); and LaNasia (mother-Syleta Bunn).  He adored his kids. They were the reason he moved back to Missouri and he never regretted that decision.

Further, Derrick was an awesome G-Daddy. After the birth of Marquis—and two years later—Je'Derrion "Poopy", he always had one or both of his grandsons with him.  He cherished them both.  By the time Cali, Ja'Mylia and Lauryn were born, his health had started to decline. The girls didn't have the one-on-one time with him but he loved them just as much. In fact, Derrick named his granddaughter, Ja'Mylia.  He would lovingly say of each of his grandkids, "he's so cute" or "ain't' she cute."

Derrick—the consummate competitor—enjoyed playing games with his big sister, Carolyn, including Boggle, Acey-Duecey, Spades and any word game. Even though Derrick was a self-proclaimed wordsmith, he could not beat his sister in Boggle.  Due to his competitive nature, he never liked talking about his defeats.  And since we all know how grammatical errors and typos got under his skin, we can only hope there are none in his obituary!!!

Derrick was passionate about many things, especially his mother's cooking.  Growing up, Ma always had the stove covered with pots and pans of deliciousness. Derrick would come home from school, have his first dinner and later he'd have his second. He was passionate about cooking as well.  Derrick was a terrific cook; and one of his future plans was to open a food truck.

Another passion of Derrick's was his fiancé, Erin Harris. It was their plan to marry in March 2019 in a private ceremony.  Unfortunately, his health had declined tremendously and he was not able to apply for the marriage license.  However, Derrick wanted everyone to know that Erin was his life partner, and as such, she is part of our family.  Erin dedicated every moment of everyday ministering to Derrick in every way.  She brought Derrick nothing but joy.

The greatest thing Derrick did—more important than any other— was his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Derrick's sister, Carolyn, introduced him to Christ on the phone over 20 years ago.  As a result, it was commonplace for Derrick and Carolyn to be on the phone talking about the Lord and praying together.

Preceding him in death is his beloved son, Gerard Knighten; his mother, Barbara Coppins; his younger brother, Damont Coppins; and his great-grandmother, Katie Coppins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his fiancé Erin Harris; his daughters Janise Knighten-Norton and LaNasia Coppins; his grandchildren Marquis Freeman, Je'Derrion Knighten, Cali Knighten, Ja'Mylia Norton and Lauryn Knighten; his mother/grandmother Martha Coppins; his sisters/aunts Carolyn (Major) Perry and Rosemary Rainey; his aunt Catherine Richardson; his niece/cousin DeAndre (Philip) Myers; his cousins Shaun (Kenesha) Richardson, John (Daisy) Arthur, Matthew (Alinka) Arthur, Kevin (Rosabeatriz) Mosley; and a host of other family members and friends.

Derrick had a larger-than-life personality. He was comfortable in his skin, stylish, funny and brutally honest.  He was so much fun to be around and he enjoyed life to the fullest.  Derrick's passing has left a deep hole in our hearts. He was so loved by his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all!

Services for Mr. Coppins will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 10, 2019, E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel.  Burial Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Tuesday at the chapel.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .